Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A stupendous leaded bronze oil lamp, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, with an elegant, elongated body, a trapezoidal spout, and a magnificent high relief (nearly in the round) lion reclining in front of the filling aperture. The wild feline's anatomy, realistic pose, and features including a voluminous mane, perky ears, leering eyes, roaring mouth, sharp claws, and curled tail - are expertly delineated. In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues. Size: 4.875" L x 2.125" W (12.4 cm x 5.4 cm)

Oil lamps such as this were filled with olive oil, had a wick placed inside the spout, and were used to light homes, shops, holy places, and many other locations throughout the Roman world. Oil lamps were certainly among the most ubiquitous objects in antiquity; however, finely crafted examples like this one were more unusual. Despite the prevalence of terracotta lamps, bronze oil lamps are among some of the rarest artifacts to come from the Roman Empire. Their scarcity, however, is a reminder of how everyday life would have been for the people who used them. Bronze examples like this were only affordable to upper class households due to the inherent cost and time associated with the processing, refinement, and ultimately casting of bronze. This particular example is much finer than the average, with its meticulous attention to detail and sturdy composition, and was probably created for and belonged to a member of the Roman elite who would have passed it down as a family heirloom.

Published: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, vol. IV (1985), no. 321.

Exhibited at Parker Art Gallery, Colgate University; George Mason University; Fitchburg Art Museum, 1985 to 2011.

Provenance: private Curran, Michigan collection; ex private English collection; ex D. L. M. collection, Lincoln Park, Michigan USA, acquired from Royal Athena in 1985; Exhibited at Parker Art Gallery, Colgate University; George Mason University; Fitchburg Art Museum, 1985 to 2011. Published: J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, vol. IV (1985), no. 321.

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#160872

Collection number handwritten on underside. Minor surface wear commensurate with age with surface nicks to underside and peripheries of spout and body. Minor softening to details, but these are still quite strong. Beautiful patina of rich blue-green hues.